Benitez bemoans ref call after Blues lose semi-final

CHELSEA boss Rafael Benitez was left fuming with referee Chris Foy following his failure to award a late penalty, which the Spaniard believed could have changed the outcome of the FA Cup semi-final.

Goals from Samir Nasri and Sergio Aguero put Manchester City in control, but Demba Ba gave Chelsea a lifeline.

The Blues rallied late on and with five minutes to go substitute Fernando Torres appeared to be hauled down by defender Vincent Kompany when through on goal, but Foy waved away appeals for a spot-kick, leaving Benitez baffled.

“The penalty not given was very clear and it could have made a big difference,” he said.

“The consequences could have been a red card and a goal for us which could have changed the game. I don’t know what was in the head of the referee.

“But credit to Manchester City they’re a very good team.”

City manager Roberto Mancini, whose side will play Wigan in the final, refuted Benitez’s claims and refused to criticise Aguero for an apparent stamp on David Luiz.

“I didn’t see it,” he said. “I need glasses. It can happen in football, but the referee was there and Sergio is a good guy. I’m happy we won.